Modular buildings are a method of construction that has been around for some time. However, in recent years there has been a rise in its popularity due to the many benefits it carries. Increasingly being used for a wider range of construction projects, modular buildings are now used for offices to apartments and more.
What are modular buildings?
Modular buildings are a product of modular construction which is essentially a process in which a building is constructed off-site. This means that the building is constructed in an open area away from construction sites that is still controlled, using the same conditions, materials and design.
Manufactured in sections, otherwise known as ‘modules’, these buildings are pieced together at the desired final location. Sometimes up to 90% of the work is completed in a factory controlled environment, building the structure of the building without compromise.
Modular buildings can be created with a variety of different materials, not limited to concrete, steel or just wood and can include as many levels as regulations allow. Several added features can also be incorporated into the building, including windows, pipes and air conditioning whilst being built off-site, allowing the buildings to follow a high quality process that carries the same weight as buildings built on-site.
To ensure that a modular building is designed to the correct standard, Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA) practices need to be followed. This ensures that all assembly of pieces are controlled and there is no malpractice that occurs that could affect the building.
Why are modular buildings growing in popularity globally?
Modular buildings are a revolutionary method of building construction that holds many benefits. Changing the way that construction takes place the key benefits of this technique includes:
- Quick delivery times – As the groundwork and foundation of all modular buildings are manufactured off site, this means that your project can be delivered up to 70% faster than traditional construction methods. This is an incredible achievement in the construction world, helping to improve project delivery timelines within budget and speed up the entire construction process and create more buildings in a shorter space of time.
- Flexibility – Creating modular buildings provide the opportunity to change the building structure if necessary. As the building is created in parts, it is possible to restructure by expanding, reducing, reconfiguring or even relocating, depending on your needs.
- Increased safety and less disruption – As modules can be installed in a matter of days rather than taking months to build, this means that there can be a reduction of a huge 90% of vehicle movement, which not only decreases disruption but also means there are less moving parts, helping to increase safety.
- Waste reduction – When modular buildings are created offsite, this reduces waste to up to 90% than traditional on-site building methods. Due to a factory controlled process, this also minimizes the amount of energy needed to create the building. This ultimately helps to reduce both labour waste and material waste.
Modular buildings in the UAE
In the UAE, Dubai is a city known for its incredible architecture. With record breaking buildings, including the tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa, and the world’s largest shopping mall, Dubai Mall, it is no wonder that people come to Dubai specifically to admire these incredible buildings.
According to the Dubai Land Department, construction and real estate accounted for nearly 14% of the Emirates GDP in 2019. With construction playing such a big part of the economy, it is no wonder that Dubai is moving onto the next big thing; modular buildings.
Dubai based company, LINQ, makes modular houses that have the ability to be shipped and assembled anywhere across the world. The system they employ can build homes up to 40% faster than regular construction, which is the perfect solution for a city that moves so fast.
Being a part of the new modular building construction process
To be part of a new method of construction is to be part of the future. With so many benefits to creating modular buildings including being more environmentally friendly, reducing wastage and shorter timings, this new method of modular construction will help in all major cities.
When building a modular building myself, the process of creating each individual part of a building offsite was an interesting procedure to oversee. With each aspect of the building, which was fashioned into a home, is measured specifically, including all walls, windows and inside features before being slotted together, it provides a simplistic alternative to costly, timely and messy onsite construction.
Not only good for those looking to create modular buildings, there are advantages for buyers too. With lower overall average cost, adherence to high quality buildings standards and solid construction that lasts, this is the perfect investment to make.
